Freeborn County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1911 (part 1 of 11)

Biographical sketches

Sketches of the Leading Men of the County - Lives of Those Who Have Helped to Make the County What It Is Today - Inci¬ dents in the Lives of the Early Settlers - Tales of Success and Achievement.

In this chapter it has been the aim of the publishers to present in concise form, the salient facts in the lives of the leading men of the county, past and present, as a supplement to the historical chapters which appear on previous pages. The story of toil and sacrifice, of small beginnings and ultimate success, of earnest endeavor and successful accomplishment, as told in these biog¬ raphies, is a most interesting one, and cannot fail to prove an inspiration to those of the younger generation who read here what their parents and forebears have accomplished.

This material has been gathered with care, the compilers having visited thousands of homes in the county and interviewed many people. All the sketches have been submitted to those they most concern, and with a few exceptions have been care¬ fully revised either by the subject of the sketch himself, or by those he has left behind. In the case of errors, those who have refused to revise the sketches of themselves and families are responsible.

The personal estimates of men and events which appear in these memoirs are the work of the editors. The facts have been furnished by the people of the county, and as it is obviously impossible to follow through each man's life from the official records, the publishers take no responsibility as to the facts con¬ tained in this chapter, although great care has been exercised, and it is believed that as great a degree of accuracy as possible has been reached.

Augustus Armstrong was born on a farm near Milan, Ohio, March 29, 1834. His parents were Augustus S. Armstrong and Phebe H. Armstrong, and his paternal grandfather, Edward Arm¬ strong, was a citizen of Rhode Island, to which colony, preceding the War of the Revolution, his ancestors had emigrated from Ireland.

Augustus Armstrong was the third of a remarkable quar¬ tet of brothers who were prominent as makers of history in the pioneer period of Minnesota and the Dakotas.

Thomas Henry, the oldest brother, was a lawyer who in 1855 located at High Forest, Olmstead county, Minnesota. He moved to Albert Lea in 1874, where he founded the Freeborn County Bank, which he owned and managed until his death in 1891. He was a member of the house of representatives in 1864. The next year he was re-elected and was chosen by that body, without opposition, as the speaker of the house. In 1874 he was elected to the state senate from Freeborn county and was re-elected for the succeeding term. In 1866 he was elected lieutenant governor and served as such and as president of the senate for four years.

Moses Kimball, the second brother, was one of the pioneers of Dakota. He was a surveyor and a lawyer, making in the six¬ ties extensive surveys for the United States government in the territory of Dakota, which at that time included, besides the Dakotas, what is now Montana and the eastern part of Idaho. This brother was a member of the first Dakota territorial legis¬ lature, being speaker of the house in 1863, and during 1872-1874 was in congress as the delegate from Dakota. He is the author of twro very interesting books - "The Early History of Dakota Territory,'7 published in 1866, and "The Early Empire Builders of the Great West," published in 1901. He died at Albert Lea in 1906.

Edward G., the fourth brother, was a pioneer of Minnesota and Dakota. He served with the Union forces in the War of the Rebellion and was severely wounded. After the war he was en¬ gaged in the real estate business in Olmstead county, where he died in 1911. He was an eloquent public speaker and was conceded by his brothers to be the orator of the family.

Augustus Armstrong, during his early boyhood on the Milan farm, attended Huron Institute, where he prepared himself for Antioch College, which latter institution he entered in 1855. At that time Horace Mann, lawyer, statesman, educational reformer, philanthropist and the father of the public school system as it exists today in the United States, was the president of Antioch College. He probably never had a student who was more moulded by his genius than was his pupil from the Milan farm. Mr. Armstrong, upon leaving college, was fortunate also to have the privilege of studying law under Judge Taylor, of Milan, after which he finished his legal studies at the Cincinnati Law School, where in 1856 he was admitted to the bar. In the spring of 1857 he walked from High Forest into Freeborn countv with a surveyor's instrument on his shoulder and $5 in his pocket and decided to make Albert Lea his future home. Here he hung out the traditional shingle, bnt there being comparatively little legal business for lawyers in Albert Lea at that early day, he worked at surveying until July, when he was appointed by the chief justice of the Supreme Court the first clerk of the court for Free¬ born county. At about the same time he was also appointed postmaster at Albert Lea. In the January following he was appointed deputy county treasurer by Henry King and had entire charge of the treasurer's office for the two ensuing years. During these early days he was at one time justice of the peace ; at another he was chairman of the board of supervisors. Although in politics Mr. Armstrong had been a Democrat, he, with thousands holding views similar to his before the war, soon joined the new Republican party. He was a staunch sup¬ porter of Lincoln, after the firing upon Fort Sumter. For his valuable services in raising troops throughout the state and otherwise aiding the cause of the Union, Mr. Armstrong was honored by General U. S. Grant, when he became president. In 1860 Mr. Armstrong was one of the attorneys for the defendant in the case of the State vs. Henry Kreigler, for the murder of a Mr. Broughton near Bear Lake. The defense was insanity, but Kreigler was found guilty by the jury, and was hung March 1, 1861, on the knoll just northwest of where Broadway and the C., M. & St. P. railroad intersect. Kreigler was the first person tried and hung under the laws of the new state of Minnesota, and it is surprising to find how strong the tradition is among the old settlers that the practical jurymen of 1860 considered that it would be more economical for the county to bury Kreig¬ ler than to support and care for him the rest of his natural life.

Mr. Armstrong was married October 10, 1861, to Mary Felicia Clark Wedge, the widow of Lucius P. Wedge, who had come to Albert Lea in 1857 and bought that part of the townsite lying west of Broadway. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong : Mary Augusta, who married Rev. Henry J. Petrand and who with her mother now occupies the paternal homestead on Fountain street at the head of St. Marys street ; and Augustus, Jr., an attorney of Seattle, Wash., who was born in 1871, upon his father's birthday, and who was in 1901-1902 president of the city council of Albert Lea and until recently was the United States commissioner for the western district of Washington.

Augustus Armstrong, Sr., was the attorney for Freeborn county from 1862 to 1865. In 1865 he was elected to represent the county in the lower house of the Minnesota legislature and in the following year he was elected to the state senate bv the sixteenth district, which at that time included the counties of Freeborn, Steele and Waseca. The office of senator being held in rotation by the three counties just named, he was, after the ex- piration of his term as senator, again elected by his county to the house of representatives. He was among the first to conceive the idea of bringing the railroads under proper control as part of the public highways of the nation. A bill which he cham¬ pioned with especial zeal was one to compel the Southern Minne¬ sota Railroad, then in process of building east from La Crosse, to touch the important towns along its projected route. While he was not as successful as he had hoped to be, yet it was due to his indefatigable exertions that the first railroad into our county was built through the county seat instead of leaving it several miles to one side and establishing a rival town in the interest of one of its townsite companies. The Southern Minne¬ sota Railroad Company did succeed, however, in locating its right of way through the counties of Houston, Fillmore, Mower and Faribault without touching their county seats. In April, 1869, Mr. Armstrong was appointed by President U. S. Grant the United States marshal for the district of Minnesota, which im¬ portant position he held until the year of his death.

The first church built in Albert Lea was the old Presbyterian church that stood upon the corner of Water and St. Marys streets until the present edifice was erected. One of the public enter¬ prises upon which Mr. Armstrong entered with his usual zeal and ability was the project of building the old Presbyterian church just referred to. He worked up the subscriptions, lead¬ ing with a thousand dollars himself, contracted for the mechan¬ ics and the material and superintended the construction. He manifested his belief in the Christian religion by a punctual at¬ tendance upon church services, by liberal contributions towards the support of the church, and by acting as one of the trustees.

On August 18, 1878, while with his wife visiting relatives at Delavan, Wis., he was attacked by a mild form of typhoid fever which, on account of the ignorant treatment of the disease com¬ mon to the times, proved fatal. He was honored by the officials of the Southern Minnesota Railroad, who provided a special train to bring his remains over their line to Albert Lea.

As a lawyer Mr. Armstrong endeavored to settle disputes and differences rather than to foment them. He enjoyed telling of impending divorce cases amicably adjusted in his office. The writer well remembers hearing, vears after Mr. Armstrong's death, different persons tell of his adjusting neighborhood quar¬ rels that were fast ripening into bitter feuds. As a public man he earned his popularity by his enthusiastic devotion to the pub¬ lic good, which was so well understood that, in his later years, his candidacy for the highest offices of his county was without opposing nominations.

by his stepson, Clarence Wedge, who has carried with him as an ever present inspiration the memory of a character not only rich in manly virtues, but full of such large-hearted kindness as to shed a joy and a benediction upon the family and the neigh¬ borhood.

Lucius P. Wedge, the third child of Salmon P. and Fanny (Colman) Wedge, was born in Copenhagen, Lewis county, New York, May 13, 1823. He was descended from English stock who settled in Warren, Litchfield county, Connecticut, one branch of which had moved to northern New York. At the age of twentyfive he came west with his father's family and pre-empted land in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, in a locality that was named for them Wedge's Prairie. He was married February 13, 1854, to Mary Felicia Clark, of Johnstown, Wis., and their only child, Clarence, was born in 1856. Having received what was then regarded as an unusually good offer for his farm of 200 acres he sold it for $6,000 and came out to Minnesota to invest the money in real estate. After looking over Faribault and Owatonna he came to Albert Lea and in November, 1856, bought of Lorenzo Merry, for $2,500, that part of the original townsite of Albert Lea lying west of Broadway, and entered with enthusiasm into the project of making this city the chief town of this part of the state. Recognizing the immediate need of hotel accommo¬ dations he bought the timber and arranged for sawing of the lumber that was afterwards used in the construction of what was later known as the Webber House. Returning to Wisconsin in the spring he planned to bring out his personal property and to encourage his acquaintances to join in his new enterprise. He was prevented from returning by failing health, and after a year spent in pursuit of physical relief he died in New York city August 31, 1858. Although his entire residence in Albert Lea was only three months, he gave a great impetus to the growth of the embryo town. He was the means of bringing to Albert Lea his brother-in-law, A. D. Clark, who became the first school teacher, and editor of the first paper ; his nephew, Dr. A. C. Wedge, the 'well known physician; and his niece, Margaret Wedge, who became Mrs. Wm. Morin. In June, 1859, his widow came to Albert Lea with their little son and from that time both have made this place their home.

Albert Clark Wedge, of Albert Lea, pioneer settler and for nearly fifty years the leading physician of Freeborn county, was born in Lewis county, New York, August 18, 1834, son of Rev. Albert and Flizabeth (Clark) Wedge. He is descended from a family of old Puritan stock, prominent in the early history' of New England. Thomas Wedge, the founder of the family in America, settled in Litchfield, Conn., at an early day, and five of his descendants were patriot soldiers in the Revolution. The doctor's grandfather, Solomon Wedge, moved to New York state at the beginning of the nineteenth century and settled on a farm in Lewis county. He was a member of the New York militia and took a part in the War of 1812. His sister married William Grant, of Litchfield, Conn., a member of the family of the ancestors of Gen. U. S. Grant, and in 1835 their son, Asahel Wedge Grant, was the first to respond to the call of the Congre¬ gational Society of Foreign Missions for medical missionaries to the Nestorians of Persia. He spent several years in missionary work in Asia and died at Mosul, Turkey, where he lies buried by the River Tigris, near the site of ancient Ninevah. Albert Wedge, the father of Dr. A. C. Wedge, was born in Connecticut in 1808, of a family of eight children. He was educated for the ministry at Hamilton College, New York, and in 1839 removed with his family to southern Ohio, where he was engaged in missionary work. His wife died at Hillsboro, Ohio, in 1840, when his son, Albert C., was only six years old. In 1847, after eight years' service in Ohio, the father removed with his five children to a farm near Pendleton, Madison county, Indiana, where he re¬ mained for three years. He then went to Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, for a visit, where his father and brothers were then residents, at a place called Wedge Prairie. Here he died in 1851, and with his wife, who died in Ohio, now rests in the family burial plot at that place. After the father's death the family, then living in Indiana, was broken up and Albert went to Wedge Prairie to live with his uncle. He attended the common schools, worked on his uncle's farm and taught country school. In 1854 he entered what is now Ripon College as a student and remained there three years, after which he studied medicine with Dr. J. Rodgers at Ripon and later attended the Cleveland (Ohio) Med¬ ical College, from which he graduated in February, 1857. After graduation he returned to Wisconsin, expecting to locate in Ripon and practice his chosen profession with his preceptor, but one of his uncles, Lucius P. Wedge, had been to Minnesota and acquired property at Albert Lea. Through his uncle's persuasion the young physician concluded to locate in Minnesota. His uncle supplied him with money, provisions, a span of horses and a covered wagon, and in May, 1857, he drove to Albert Lea, which at that time consisted of a cluster of four or five log houses and about thirty inhabitants. Here he put up a frame building for an office, hung out his sign, and was ready to prescribe for any who might need his services. At first there was not much for him to do in a professional way, but he pre-empted land and took an active part in the building up of the new community. As the town prospered and the country settled up his business increased and for nearly fifty years he continued in active prac¬ tice except for short periods when he was engaged in public service. When the township was organized, in 1858, he was elected chairman of the first board of supervisors and subsequently held the position for several years. Dr. Wedge was commissioned, May 2, 1862, assistant surgeon of the Third regiment, Minnesota volunteer infantry, and joined his command at Murfreesboro, Tenn., in May, 1862. On July 13 he participated in the battle of Murfreesboro, in which the regiment was surrendered to the enemy by the colonel in command. Dr. Wedge remained for a time in the hospital at Murfreesboro helping to care for the wounded, then went to Nashville and was on duty in the general hospital for several months. His regiment having been exchanged, he joined it again at Cairo and went with it on the campaign through Kentucky and Tennessee, joining General Grant's main army at the investment and capture of Vicksburg. September 22, 1863, he was commissioned surgeon with the rank of major. He was with General Steele's forces in the expedition to capture Little Rock, and in all the battles connected with the campaign in Arkansas in 1864-65 until the close of the war, when he was mustered out with his regiment in September, 1865, at Devall's Bluff, Ark. Dr. Wedge was very efficient and faithful as a sur¬ geon at all times, and had the fullest confidence of the officers and men to whom he ministered. He performed especially notable service for the Third regiment during its stay at Pine Bluff, Ark., in the spring and summer of 1864. The regiment was encamped in a swampy, unhealthy locality, and a violent epidemic of malarial fever broke out. The result was as tragically disastrous as though the men had been engaged in battle every day. A large majority were stricken down. From May to August fully 150 died. The doctor labored incessantly and but for his care and skill many more would have perished. ' He was without proper medical supplies, but did the best he could. When at last he was prostrated, he could not obtain even a dose of quinine for him¬ self. On August 1 he was relieved from duty and returned with the six companies of re-enlisted men to Minnesota, or perhaps he too would have been a victim of the fever. After his discharge from the army Dr. Wedge returned to his home in Albert Lea and resumed his practice. He served in the lower house of the state legislature in 1870-71, and as state senator in 1879-80. He re¬ signed the office of senator in 1881 to take the position of collector of internal revenue under an appointment by President Garfield. In this office he served two years under President Arthur's administration. He has also served on many state boards. He was a member of the Republican national convention of 1880 that nominated Garfield for president. While in the legislature he was chairman of the committee on railroads, and of the state prison investigation committee. He has always been a Republican in politics and has taken an active part in all national elections, keeping well informed on local, state and national politics. He was chairman of the Republican congressional committee of his district one year, and for several years chairman of the county committee. He was a member of Governor Merriam's military staff and also of Governor Nelson's, as assistant surgeon general. He was appointed by Governor McGill a member of the state medical examining board, on which he served for four years, being president of the board for one year. In 1880 he was presi¬ dent of the State Medical Society, and for some time was presi¬ dent of the Albert Lea Central Medical Society. He is now a member of the American Medical Association, the Freeborn County Medical Association and of the International Association of Railroad Surgeons, of which organization he has been vicepresident, and he is the honorary local surgeon of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway. He has been a frequent con¬ tributor to the scientific and medical journals of the day and to the secular press. Dr. Wedge was for many years one of the trustees of the Albert Lea College for Women. He is a member of the Loyal Legion and of the board of trustees of the First Presbyterian Church of Albert Lea. Besides his medical practice Dr. -Wedge took a great interest in practical scientific farming and is still the owner of the "Oak Park Stock Farm," about one mile west of Albert Lea, where for many years he was an exten¬ sive live stock breeder. Dr. Wedge's worth as a man, his prom¬ inence as one of the leading men of the state, and his standing and ability as a physician and surgeon have been the subjects of ex¬ tensive articles in the press of the state and in military and med¬ ical journals. Flis record, plainly set down, speaks for itself as to what he has accomplished, and the recital of his life-long service to the community is in itself the highest encomium which may be spoken or written of this kindly and distinguished gentleman. Dr. AA edge was married October 23, 1858, to Bessie Blackmer, daughter of Dr. Franklin Blackmer, the pioneer. They had one daughter, Mary A., who married Mark M. Jones and died April 4, 1905, leaving besides her husband one son, Albert Wedge Jones, to mourn her loss. It is worthy of note that the coming of Dr. w edge at the request of L. P. AYedge was the making of Albert Lea. His coming brought many more of his family and rela¬ tives, all of whom had an important part in upbuilding the city. Dr. AA edge's sagacity as a young man kept the AA7edge part of the townsfie in good hands, despite the fact that Lorenzo Merry who had sold to Lucius P. AA^edge, tried to take advantage of Dr. AA7edge s youth and inexperience to get the property back in his own hands. Dr. Wedge died October 23, 1911. At his funeral business throughout the city was suspended at the order of the mayor, and thousands followed his body in sorrowing concourse to the grave.

Thomas W. Wilson died March 3, 1911, after a busy life filled with good deeds. He was born in Scotland, April 14, 1844. When an infant his parents emigrated to Albany, N. Y., whence after two years they removed in 1846 to Columbia county, Wisconsin, then in 1867 to Nunda township, near Bear lake, in this county' Here he grew to manhood, and, associated with his father, he erected and operated a flouring mill at Twin Lakes and another at Alden for many years and until 1885, when he located in Albert Lea, where he thereafter lived. Mr. Wilson's uprightness of character, his intelligence, ^ abilities and model life secured for him public esteem and confidence and kept him almost continuously in the public service. He served in various town, village, school and important county positions, and in all proved his absolute honesty, carefulness and efficiency. In 1885-86 he was deputy county treasurer, in 1891-93 he was register of deeds, served as mayor of Albert Lea in 1899, was county commissioner several years and for nine years was a member of the city school board. Perhaps it was in this capacity that he rendered his most benefi¬ cent service. He was elected to this office July 14, 1894, and served continuously until July 1903. July 15, 1896, he was secre¬ tary of the board and served until he left the board in 1903. To this work he gave the same painstaking care and attention with which he applied himself to every public task committed to him. His fidelity to every trust and his usefulness was ever recognized and gave him merited prominence. As a member of the Presby¬ terian Church of Albert Lea for forty years, and as husband and brother, neighbor and friend he was of the best type of a Chris¬ tian and possessed the respect and friendship of all. His wife, Margaret Emerson, to whom he was married in 1871, survives him. They were the first couple to be married after the Presbyterian Church was organized. No children were born to them, but their hospitable home was ever the social resort of numerous friends and relatives, who ever found a glad and gracious welcome.

Anthony Huyck, now deceased, was one of the prominent men of the state. His size made him a conspicuous figure wherever he went, his genial good nature and. sunny temperament made him a favorite with those he met, while his business ability, his force of character, and the logical powers of his mind made him respected throughout the Northwest. He weighed over 300 pounds, was six feet and six inches in height, and was as large in personality and mentality as he was in physique. Anthony Huyck was born in Albany county, New York, January 4, 1828, son of Walter and Margaret (Haines) Iluyck, natives of that state. He resided with his parents until 1848, when he came to Kenosha county, Wisconsin, where he lived four years. Later he came to this state and lived a short time in Caledonia, Mayville and Crooked Creek until 1858, when he settled on a farm in Wil¬ mington township, Houston county, where he acquired vast pos¬ sessions and became a leading citizen. In 1877 he was sent to the lower house of the Minnesota legislature. In 1891 he came to Albert Lea to look after his holdings in this county, and here he lived until his lamented death, March 2, 1898. The subject of this sketch was married, June 5, 1859, at what was then Itasca, near Albert Lea, to Emily A. Colby, born February 7, 1835, at Orange county, Vermont, daughter of John and Hannah (Rowell) Colby, natives of Vermont. John Colby and his wife lived in Vermont a few years and then spent fifteen years in Pennsylvania. There¬ after they spent five years in Wisconsin and in 1855 came to Min¬ nesota and located in Houston county. A year later they came to Freeborn county and engaged in farming in Albert Lea township the remainder of their lives. Mr. and. Mrs. Huyck had four chil¬ dren. Cora, Grace and Emma died of scarlet fever in early life. Ella V. is the wife of Judge Heman Blackmer, of Albert Lea.

Captain Asa W. White, pioneer, veteran of the Civil War, up¬ right citizen and former county and city official, died January 13, 1907, after a useful and well-spent life. He was born in Chenango county, New York, December 20, 1827, and in 1848 settled on a farm in Green county, Wisconsin. In 1852 he became a merchant in Union, Rock county, Wisconsin, and in September of that year was married to Elizabeth A. Priest. In June, 1854, Captain White moved his family to Mitchell, Iowa, where he built the first log house in the vicinit}r. There he was register- of deeds and after¬ ward county treasurer. Early in 1856 he resigned the latter office and came to Freeborn county, settling in Pickerel Lake township, where he lived until 1861, when he assisted in recruiting the heroic Company F, of the Fourth Minnesota volunteer infantry. Enlist¬ ing as a private October 11, 1861, he was, October 20, commis¬ sioned captain. He participated in the battles of Iuka, Corinth, the campaign against Vicksburg, the Yazoo Pass expedition and other notable engagements. June 19, 1863, by reason of ill health, he was compelled to resign and return home. He soon after, and until 1872, engaged in the mercantile business. In the latter year he became clerk of the district court and served two terms. He also served as justice of the peace, as city assessor and in other positions. He was a charter member of Western Star Lodge, No. 26, A. F. & A. M., and was its first master. From 1895 until his death Captain White lived on his fine farm on the west shore of Lake Albert Lea, spending many of his summers with his daughter at Lake Pulaski, at Buffalo, Minn. He left three children : Mrs. J. E. Stowell, C. D. White and Mrs. Ida A. Forrest. At the time of his death the newspapers said of Captain White: " Captain White has been identified for half a century with the history and affairs of this community, and as citizen, soldier and official, in all the walks of life, he bore an honorable part and possessed the uni¬ versal esteem of his fellowmen. He was a man of staunch con¬ victions and of integrity, and his life work and his record will ever be a cherished memory to his family and notable in the annals of Freeborn county."

Charles Soth, now deceased, was an earnest factor in the life of Albert Lea for many years, and in dying left a heritage of honor to his family, and a memory which will long be respected in the community wherein he labored. Whether as a harness maker on a small scale or as a successful man of affairs, he main¬ tained a staunch, substantial character, and his influence was ever in the line of sane, conservative action. Charles Soth was born in Mecklenberg, Germany, January 2, 1846, and was brought to America in 1849 by his parents. The family located in Watertown, Wis., and there Charles attended the public schools until seventeen years of age. Then he went to Milwaukee and learned the harness making and saddlery trade. Afterward he went to Waterloo, Iowa, and engaged in the harness and saddlery and grocery business, in company with his brother-in-law, Theodore Naeve. In 1872 they came to Albert Lea and opened a similar establishment, conducting also a general store. In 1902 Mr. Soth retired from the mercantile department, but still continued in the harness line until 1907. He was also extensively interested in real estate. Seeing the need of another bank in Albert Lea, he organized the Freeborn County State Bank of Albert Lea and became its first president. In 1908 he purchased a controlling interest in the Brundin Packing Company, which was later changed to the Albert Lea Packing Company, and of which he was vice-president. In addition to this he was a director in the Case Corset Company and in the State Bank of Manchester. Mr. Soth was an independent voter, and was one of the early members of the Albert Lea fire department. He was always a useful citizen and helped lay the foundation for the prosperity of a number of institutions which have contributed to the growth of the city. The subject of this sketch was married, April 22, 1881, at Watertown, Wis., to Augusta Krueger, a native of that place. This union has resulted in two children: Mrs. C. E. Paulson and Henry Soth, both of Albert Lea.

Henry Soth, president of the Albert Lea Packing Company, is one of the popular and successful young men of the city, and is taking an active and vital interest in its upbuilding. His voice, his influence and his time are freely given to every progressive movement, and although young in years he already has a public record of which any man might well be proud. He is a native son of Albert Lea, born March 6, 1885, his parents being Charles and Augusta (Krueger) Sotli, natives respectively of Germany and Wisconsin. Henry attended the schools of Albert Lea and at an early age entered actively into business life, his efforts being largely directed in Albert Lea, though for some time he was a resi¬ dent of Manchester, in which place he still retains a number of interests. His pleasant home at 308 West College street, Albert Lea, is a model of comfort and convenience. The subject of this sketch was married September 14, 1910, to Anna Nelson, of Bloom¬ ing Prairie, Minn. Mrs. South is very popular among the young married people with whom she mingles socially. In municipal affairs Mr. Soth is alderman from the second ward, is chairman of the city street committee, assistant chief of the Albert Lea fire department and treasurer of the relief society of the Albert Lea fire department. He is also an honorary member of the Man¬ chester fire department. In a financial way he is vice-president of the Freeborn County State Bank of Albert Lea and cashier of the Manchester State Bank of Manchester. His business relations include the presidency of the Albert Lea Packing Company, as before mentioned, the vice-presidency of the Northwestern Elec¬ tric C ompany and a directorate in the Luce Corset Company, of Albert Lea, and the Albert Lea Motor Company. He is also vicepresident of the Albert Lea Auto Club. With all these varied interests, Mr. Soth is genial and approachable, and the presenta¬ tion of every worthy cause finds in him an attentive auditor.

ou try a.n^l came to the United States in 1858, locating first in Chicago, where he remained six months. From there he went to Calmar, Iowa, where he also remained a similar period. He then came to Minnesota, and after a short time spent at Faribault, came in 1859 to Freeborn county and settled in ( arlston township and engaged in farming. In 1861 he was mar¬ ried to Margaret Horning, and this union was blessed with ten children. The family remained on the farm until 1898, when they moved to Albert Lea. Mr. Larson saw much of the hardship and many of the struggles of the early days. He was a friend of the Indians, and his house was often visited by the red men. During the Indian scare he took his horses and wagon and gathered his neighbors into his home, where he felt his friendship for the Indians would protect them. Mr. Larson in the early days was accustomed to hauling his wheat and other produce to Hastings, Minn., and McGregor, Iowa, returning with a load of groceries for the store at Freeborn. These trips usually occupied two or three weeks. During his lifetime Mr. Larson made four trips to the old country and was planning a fifth at the time of his death. He was an active man, and insisted on doing the light work up to the very last. His death, March 23, 1908, was the result of heart failure, induced by a runaway. He left, besides his widow, six children : A. E. Larson, Mrs. Edward Tellet, Mrs. Ralph Olson and Arthur Larson. At the time of his death a newspaper said of him : "While not active in public affairs, Mr. Larson exemplified the best type of foreign-born American citizenship. He was honorable and just in all his dealings with his friends and neighbors, and throughout his long and busy life his record for squareness and fair dealing was maintained without blur or blemish." Another paper said: "He was a man who enjoyed a large circle of friends and was highly respected by them. He was an indulgent husband and father, and though devoted to his family was a man who greatly enjoyed his friends."

Ellend Erickson, veteran of the Civil War and for many years a prominent citizen of Freeborn county, was born in Sogn, Norway, October 7, 1835, son of Erick Ellendson and Anna Olson, his wife, also natives of that place. The father died in his native land and the mother came to America in 1865, dying in Norman, Iowa, in 1902. Ellend attended the schools of Sogn, and in July, 1854, came to America, working as a lumberman in Chicago for six years. In 1860 he came to Freeborn county and located on a quarter section in Bath township, his land title bearing the signa¬ ture of Abraham Lincoln. In 1861 he went back to Wisconsin and enlisted in Company K, Fifteenth Wisconsin volunteer infantry, as a private. He was promoted to sergeant, was commissioned second lieutenant in 1863, and first lieutenant in 1864, hold¬ ing that office at the time he was mustered out of service in March, 1865, at Chattanooga, Tenn. He did valiant serv¬ ice throughout the war and took part in all the battles, marches, skirmishes and sieges in which his regiment par¬ ticipated, having twenty-three battles to his credit. At the battle of New Hope Church, Georgia, he was captured and spent four months as a prisoner at Macon and Savannah, Ga., and Charleston, S. C. Upon his return from the war, Lieutenant Erickson re¬ sumed his farming operations in Bath township. With the years he prospered, erected buildings, developed his land and added to his possessions until he owned 360 acres of well-tilled and fertile lands. In 1902 he purchased a lot in Albert Lea and erected the comfortable home in which he and his good wife now reside, enjoying the well-earned fruits of a long and well-spent life. In 1878 Mr. Erickson served in the first city council of Albert Lea as alderman from the second ward. While in Bath township he was on the school board many terms, and on the town board twenty years, nine of which he was chairman. In 1889-91 he sat in the lower house of the Minnesota legislature. The subject of this sketch was married March 27, 1860, to Betsey Jacobson, born in Sogn, Norway, October 7, 1841. She came to America in 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Erickson were the parents of ten children. Of these eight are living. Anna is now Mrs. John G. Jacobson, of Church 's Ferry, N. D. Lena is now Mrs. Samuel S. Moen, of Cul¬ bertson, Mont. Caroline is Mrs. Inger Sorlie, of Church's Ferry, N. D. Jacob lives in Minot, N. D., and Oscar H. lives in Reeder, in the same state. Ella lives in Canada, Nora at home and Laura in Mason City, Iowa. Emery and Edward are dead. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. Erickson helped to organize and build the Poplar Grove Creamery in the northern part of Bath township, was its president until he resigned at the time he moved to Albert Lea, and is still a stock¬ holder. In 1900 he was instrumental in circulating the petition which resulted in Rural Route No. 1, from Albert Lea to Bath and Bancroft, this being operated two years before any others were established in the county.

Charles E. Paulson, president of the Freeborn County State Bank, was born in Wells, Minn., on the fifth day of September, 1881. He is the son of Edward and Sophia (Johnson) Paulson. His parents were natives of Sweden. They came to America in 1865, first locating in Wisconsin. After a few years spent in the Badger state they removed to Minnesota, first locating at Albert Lea and shortly after moving to Wells. In a number of years afterwards they again took up their residence in Albert Lea, where, in 1906, the father died. Mr. Paulson was a mechanic. The mother still lives in Albert Lea. Charles E. Paulson, the subject of this sketch, attended the graded and high schools of Albert Lea during his boyhood. Upon leaving school he was first employed by the First National Bank of Albert Lea. In 1902 he removed to Lamberton, Minn., where he was employed in the Citizens' State Bank. In 1903 he returned to Freeborn county and organized the State Bank of Clarks Grove. He was elected cashier of that insti¬ tution. In 1907 the Freeborn County State Bank of Albert Lea was organized and Mr. Paulson became cashier. In 1909 Charles Soth, who was then president, died. Mr. Paulson was elected to take his place as president and is now at the head of this flourish¬ ing financial institution. In 1905 Charles E. Paulson was united in marriage to Theodora Soth, daughter of Charles and Au¬ gusta Soth, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Two children have blessed this union. They are Helen E. and Augusta Soth Paulson. Mr. Paulson is a Republican in politics and a mem¬ ber of the Knights of Pythias. He has never aspired to hold any public office. His time has been thoroughly devoted to the very successful banking business which he has built up. He has the confidence and good will of the entire community and in his beau¬ tiful home, surrounded by his friends and neighbors, enjoys the fruits of a financial success resulting from high personal integrity and sagacious investments.

Edward Olson, a well-known banker of Albert Lea, was born April 16, 1863, in Iowa county, Wisconsin, son of Knudt and Christina (Hellekson) Olson. He received his early education in the common schools and attended a business college when he was but sixteen years of age. Until twenty years of age he assisted on the home farm and mastered the farming occupation. In 1883, determining to start out for himself, he came to Minnesota and was employed as a clerk in a store at Granite Falls for one year. In 1885 he established a general store at Hanley Falls, Yellow Medicine county, which he conducted until 1894. He then moved to Iowa and remained there three years, after which he came to Albert Lea and operated a bottling establishment until 1904. At this time the opportunity to realize his great ambition was pre¬ sented, and he was elected president of the Citizens' National Bank of Albert Lea. In this capacity he serves at the present time. Mr. Olson is courteous and affable, and his banking policy has won him the confidence and respect of the community, his per¬ sonality being an important factor in the success of the institution of which he is the head. Mr. Olson was united in matrimony, January 21, 1886, to Mary Hanson, daughter of Ole and Jane Hanson, of Blue Mounds, Wis. Three children have been born to them: Jennie, wife of Burt Knatvold, of Albert Lea, and Oscar and Irene, who are at home. Mr. Olson is deeply interested in modern education and is treasurer of the school board of Albert Lea. His success in life is an example of what can be accomplished by high ambitions and conscientious endeavors. Beginning as a poor boy he has steadily climbed toward success and at the present time occupies the enviable position of a highly respected and influ¬ ential citizen.

Knudt Olson, a substantial pioneer of Norwegian birth, came to America in the early days and went to Texas, where he re¬ mained for seven years, after which he located in Iowa county, Wisconsin, and was married to Christina Hellekson, a native of that state. To them were born six children: Edward, Thea, Otto, Sarah, Oscar and Josephine. This hard-working father and mother reared their children in Wisconsin, sending them to school and daily instilling into their young minds the necessity for con¬ stant and persevering endeavor, that they might be fitted to assume the responsibilities of life. Mr. and Mrs. Olson died on the

H. E. Nelson, deceased, was born in Denmark on May 19, 1837. He came to America at the age of twenty-one and located near Racine, AV is., where he worked out until 1869, at this time coming to Freeborn county, where he bought land in Bancroft and Bath townships. He followed general farming until 1895, when he rented his farm and moved to Albert Lea, living there until his death on July 13, 1897. In the year 1870 he married Annie K. Engen, a native of Denmark, the daughter of C. and Annie M. Engen. Her father was a farmer, having located in Bancroft town¬ ship in the year 1869. He farmed there until 1893, moving at this time to Albert Lea, where he lived until his death in 1907. Her mother still lives in Albert Lea. Their home was blessed with six children : Hilda ; Arthur, a farmer in Bancroft township ; Alma, now Mrs. Ball, of California; Nora, now Mrs. Lein, of Wiscon¬ sin; Walter, of Sioux Falls; Emma, who lives in Sioux Falls, S. D. Mr. Nelson was a Republican in politics and attended the Danish Lutheran Church. He held various town offices in Ban¬ croft - chairman of the town board and a member of the school board. Mrs. Nelson has spent one year in Sioux Falls and one-half year in Wisconsin. Mr. Nelson was one of the organizers of Clark's Grove Creamery. He was always vitally interested in the welfare of his town and township.

J. M. Nelson, who owns several splendid farms in Hayward township and runs a rural mail route, was born in Albert Lea in 1864, the son of Mathias and Agnes, natives of Norway. They came to America in 1853 and located in Wisconsin, remaining there until 1858. Then they came to Albert Lea township, Free¬ born county, and bought land. Mathias was born April 8, 1835, and died in 1902. His wife was born in April 29, 1836, and died August 25, 1905. She came to this country before her husband did and they were married in AYisconsin in 1856. The subject of this sketch attended the district schools of Glenville, and upon leaving school he farmed with his father until 1886, when he bought 240 acres in Hayward and Shell Rock townships and did general farming until 1903. Fie then retired from farm life and moved into Albert Lea, where he has lived up to the present time. Fpon coming to Albert Lea Mr. Nelson entered the rural mail service and has continued as a carrier ever since. He rents his farms, of which he has three, representing 640 acres in all. All Air. Nelson's farms are improved and carried on in a most progressive way. The subject was married on May 26, 1886, to Olive Rosenberg, daughter of Mathias and Agnes Rosenberg, natives of Norway. She was born in Norway in 1865 and came to America in 1882, locating in Hayward township, where her father did a general farming business until his death in August, 1903. Her mother still lives on the old home farm in Hayward. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson's home has been made happy by six children, of whom two have died - Ada, deceased; Ovidia; Amy and Effie, twins; Odean, deceased, and Morrill. Mr. Nelson is a prohibitionist and belongs to the Lutheran Church. He has served on the school board in Hayward township and is a stockholder in the Glenville Creamery, but never aspired to public office. Mr. Nelson is a very highly respected citizen. He owns a fine home at 412 Grove street. It is worthy of note that Christ Nelson, of Shell Rock, brother of J. M. Nelson, is one of the first children born in this county, who is still living.

G. A. Olson, a prosperous manufacturer of Albert Lea, was born in Riceland township, Freeborn county, in 1861, the son of Ole.C. and Karen (Johnson) Olson, natives of Norway. The father was a shoemaker and came to this country in 1852, locating in Wisconsin, where he followed his trade and took up a claim. In 18o6 he removed with his family to Riceland township, being the first settler in this township. He lived on his homestead up to the time of his death in 1895. His wife died in 1904. The subject of this sketch gained his education in the schools of Riceland township. Upon leaving school he worked on his father's farm, conducting it himself for five years after his father's death. Some time before leaving the farm Mr. Olson invented a hay sling. It proved such a success that he established a factory in Albert Lea in 1901. A history of this business appears elsewhere. In time the company bought a fine brick building, three stories and base¬ ment, 40x80, on South Broadway, where they now manufacture a full line of hay tools, litter carriers, etc. Mr. Olson has one brother and two sisters. He is a member of the Socialist local

N. S. Nelson, who is the president and owner of the Albert Lea Ice & Fuel Company, first saw the light of day on November 4, 1859, in the country of Denmark, the son of L. N. and Lena (Christianson) Nelson. They came to America in the year 1868 and located in Sttelby county, Iowa, where he farmed until his death in 1904. The mother died when the subject was still an infant. The subject of the sketch gained his education in the common schools of Iowa. Leaving school he worked on the home farm a few years and then went to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he worked in a flour mill a short time. In 1883 he removed to Dell Rapids, S. D., where he went into the fuel business, continu¬ ing there until 1895. At this time he took up farming in South Dakota and in the fall of 1901 came to Albert Lea, going into partnership with A. C. Anderson and Peter Larson, who con¬ ducted the firm called the Albert Lea Ice Company. When Mr.

Nelson joined the firm they added fuel to their line of goods, the firm name being changed to the Albert Lea Ice & Fuel Com¬ pany. The following year A. C. Anderson and Mr. Nelson pur¬ chased Mr. Larson's share in the firm and two years later (1904) Mr. Nelson bought out Mr. Anderson's share, leaving him sole owner of the business. He conducts a very flourishing and up-todate business. In 1884 Mr. Nelson married Mary Hanson, a native of Denmark. Their home has been blessed with six chil¬ dren - Lydia, at home ; Martha, now Mrs. J. V. Olson, of South Dakota; Nellie, now Mrs. Oscar Olson, of Albert Lea; Pearl, at home; Ralph, at home, and Oliver, who died when seven years of age. Mr. Nelson is a Prohibitionist and is a member of the Danish Baptist Church. He is a loyal member of the Fraternal Union of Neenah. Wis., and the Yeomen. His residence is situ¬ ated at 415 Fast Third street. Mr. Nelson is one of Albert Lea's substantial citizens, always interested in its welfare.

Albert Lea Ice & Fuel Company. In the year 1901 N. S. Nel¬ son came from South Dakota to Albert Lea and entered into partnership with Peter Larsen and A. C. Anderson (who were then in the ice business) under the firm name of the Albert Lea Ice & Fuel Company, for the purpose of selling ice and fuel of all kinds; locating on the corner of Pearl and Washington streets, with Mr. Nelson as manager. October 1, 1901, one year later, Mr. Larsen sold his interest to his partners, they continuing at the same stand. In 1904 Mr. Anderson retired, selling his interest to Mr. Nelson, who then became sole owner, continuing

Mallery property from N. P, Sorenson on South Broadway on the C., R. I. & P. R. R. tracks, and moved there July 1, 1907, since which time the volume of the business has doubled and the concern is doing a flourishing business, pleasing its many cus¬ tomers, both old and new.

H. A. Spencer, clerk of the District Court of Freeborn County, was born on October 8, 1874, in Lancaster, Wis., the son of A. B. and Nancy J. (Lewis) Spencer, both natives of Wisconsin. The father followed his trade of carpenter and contractor in Wis¬ consin until the year 1874, when, with his family, he moved to Freeborn county, where he worked at his trade until 1906, at which time he removed to Kansas, where he still lives. The mother died in Freeborn county in 1890. The subject of this sketch attended the district and graded schools of Freeborn county, after which he worked with his father until 1898; then he ran stationary engines until 1907, when he had the great mis¬ fortune to lose his right limb. Being unable to continue this line of work, he kept books in a plumbing establishment in Albert Lea for one year, and in 1908 was elected to the office of clerk of the District Court of Freeborn County, which position he still holds. Mr. Spencer was married in 1894 to Irene Sorenson, and their home has been made happy by four children - Bernice, born January 11, 1896; Mildred, born August 27, 1898; Raymond, born February 25, 1901, and Aline, born March 4 and died March 25, 1907. Mr. Spencer is a staunch Republican and a member of the Methodist Church. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, Maccabees, Equitable Fraternal Union, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias.

Robert G. Stevenson, M.D., a physician and surgeon of Albert Lea, was born on November 21, 1880, at St. Charles, Minn., the son of Robert L. and Lydia (Darling) Stevenson, natives of Scotland and Illinois, respectively. The father farmed near St. Charles until about 1898, when he retired from active life. With his wife he removed to St. Charles, where they are still living. The subject of this sketch gained his early education in the dis¬ trict schools of Olmstead county and in the high school of St. Charles. Later he attended the Northwestern University at Chi¬ cago, from which institution he graduated in 1906. At that time he took one year interneship at Mercy Hospital, Chicago. Then Dr. Stevenson took the civil service examination and spent one and one-half years in the Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Ill. In December. 1908, he established an office in Albert Lea, where he has since enjoyed a splendid practice. Dr. Stevenson is a Republican in political life and is a very progressive man in his profession. At the present time he is doing excellent service as secretary of the Freeborn Countv Medical Societv.

A. C. Sorenson, the owner of a prosperous grain and fuel busi¬ ness in Albert Lea, is a native of Denmark, having been born in that country on April 4, 1850, the son of Soren and Annie Soren¬ son. The father died when the subject was but two years old and the mother lived until the year 1905. Mr. Sorenson attended the city schools of Copenhagen, and upon leaving the school worked on the home farm and in a linen factory. He came to America in 1873, locating at Faribault, Minn., later going to Owatonna, where he conducted a Scandinavian hotel for one year. At the end of this time he came to Freeborn county, buying a forty-acre farm, upon which he farmed for a short time. Sell¬ ing this farm, he moved to Martin county, where he farmed for three years, until 1880. Mr. Sorenson then became an employe of the W. W. Cagill Company, representing them in numerous Freeborn county towns. For the long period of twenty-three years he has managed the Albert Lea branch. In June, 1910, Mr. Sorenson bought the business of the W. W. Cagill estate, now being the sole owner of this substantial business. In the year 1875 the subject was married to Louisa C. Jensen, a native of

Denmark. To Mr. and Mrs. Sorenson have been born fourteen children, of which number ten are now living. They are: Arthur A., who is with his father; James L., manager of the bank at Clark's Grove; Louis, who lives in Washington state; Annie, now Mrs. Hellie, living on a farm in Albert Lea township; Ida, now Mrs. Foster, of Crookston, Minn. ; Nora, now Mrs. Riley, of Lincoln, Neb.; Mary, who lives in Albert Lea; Lulu, now Mrs. Mikelson, of Albert Lea; Martha and Albert, who live at home. Mr. Sorenson is a staunch Republican and attends the Baptist Church. He is a faithful member of the Danish Brotherhood, Masonic Lodge and Ancient Order of United Workmen. During his residence in Albert Lea he has served ten years in the city council and is at present a member of the Charter Commission. Mr. Sorenson is a successful business man, owning considerable real estate on Front street.

G. R. Scott, the president of the Albert Lea Hardware Com¬ pany, was born in Fond du Lac, Wis., on June 22, 1866, son of Moses and Margaret Scott, natives, respectively, of New York and Germany. In the early years the father moved from New 1 ork to Ohio and from there to Wisconsin, where he married, and farmed until the outbreak of the Civil War, when he joined Company D, Twelfth regiment, Wisconsin volunteers, giving three and one-half years of faithful service for his country. In 1875 they came to Pickerel Lake township, Freeborn county, where Moses Scott carried on a farming business up to the time of his death on December 21, 1906. His wife still lives on the home farm in Pickerel Lake township. The subject of this sketch gained his education in the district schools of Freeborn county and the Albert Lea High School, attending the latter for two years. Leaving school he helped his father on the farm for six years. At this time he came to Albert Lea, finding employment in a grocery store, where he worked for one and one-half years. I pon leaving the grocery store he went into the draying business under the firm name of Thompson & Scott, which business he carried on for five years. In 1903 Mr. Scott bought an interest in the Peterson Hardware Company, where he remained until 1908, when it was incorporated as the Albert Lea Hardware Company. He was made president of the company and still fills that position. In 1889 Mr. Scott was married to Emma E. Eberhart, daughter of Henry and Barbara Eberhart of Pickerel Lake. They are the parents of three children - Clarence E., Leslie H. and Raymond G., all at home. Mr. Scott is a member of the German Methodist Church, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Royal Arcanum. He owns his pleasant home at 122 St. Mary street.

P. F. Petersen, the well-known furniture dealer of Albert Lea, has been engaged in this business for twenty-seven years. He was born in Denmark, January 26, 1868, son of Hans and Catherine (Friis) Petersen, and came to the United States with his father in 1883, his mother having died previous to this time. For several years after coming to this country they made their home in North Dakota, where the father subsequently died. P. F., the subject of this biography, received his early education in Denmark, and later attended the public schools in Albert 'Lea. After leaving school he secured employment in a furniture store and has since been carrying on this business, which he purchased and in which he has been most successful. He was married in 1889 to Agnes Petersen and their home has been brightened by the arrival of five children : Mabel E., Hazel M., Elwin C., Rus¬ sell and Raymond, all of whom are at home. Mr. Petersen is a member of the First Baptist Church of Albert Lea and a liberal contributor to its support. In politics he affiliates with the Re¬ publicans but has never sought public office. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge of Albert Lea and also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and D. B. S. He is also a member of the Business Men's League of Albert Lea.

F. P. Mortenson, who, with his brother, M. P. Mortenson, owns the Albert Lea Milk Company, was born in Freeborn county on March 17, 1881, the son of Hans and Lena (Christopherson) Mor¬ tenson, both natives of Denmark. They came to the United States in 1876 and located in Freeborn county, where he farmed for sev¬ eral years, dying in 1 892. His widow married S. J. Nelson and is living in Albert Lea township. The subject of this sketch was educated in the schools of Freeborn county and took one term in the Blair Business College, at Blair, Nebraska. At this time he clerked in a grocery store for four years and then started in the milk business in 1905, in which business he still continues. In 1905 Mr. Mortenson bought the Albert Lea Milk Company and put up a fine brick building, where he and his brother, M. P., conduct a splendid business. They make ice cream and sell it retail and wholesale. Their milk is bought directly from the farmers. Mr. Mortenson was married in 1909 to Olena, daughter of Soren and Stena Rasmussen, old settlers of Albert Lea township. They have one child, Phalve Isabelle. The subject is a Republican in his political life and- 3, member of the Danish Luth¬ eran Church and the Royal Arcanum Lodge. He lives at 210 First street. Mr. Mortenson is a very substantial citizen, having made his success in business by the hardest work.

Charles Sorenson, a progressive jeweler of Albert Lea, was born in the southern portion of Riceland township, on September 22, 1873, son of Soren and Jane (Knutson) Sorenson. He at- tended the district schools of Hayward, and at the close of his school life worked on the home farm until 1894, at which time he went to Albert Lea, finding employment as a photographer with J. R. Halvorson. He also learned the watchmaking business and in 1905 established himself in the jewelry business in Albert Lea, which business he has followed up to the present time. In 1899 Mr. Sorenson was married to Gustine Styve, daughter of Andrew A. and Anna (Laite) Styve, the father a farmer of Bancroft town¬ ship. Their one son, Arnold Sigfried, lives with his parents. Mr. Sorenson affiliates with the Lutheran Church, and owns his pleas¬ ant home at 610 East Fourth street.

Soren Sorenson, father of Charles Sorenson, and his wife, Jane Knutson, are both natives of Norway. They came to America in 1855 and located in Stoughton, Wis., where they remained about six months. At this time they removed to Werth county, Iowa, where Mr. Sorenson farmed with his father until the outbreak of the Civil TV ar. He served throughout the war in Company K, Twenty-seventh Regiment, Iowa Infantry. At the close of the rebellion he moved to Austin, where he established a hotel busi¬ ness, which he carried on for three years. Mr. Sorenson then removed his family to Freeborn county, buying a farm in Riceland township, where he farmed until about 1903, at which time he retired from active life and with his wife came to Albert Lea, where they still reside.

Cb L. Swenson, a successful banker of Albert Lea, was born in St. Peter on December 14, 1869, son of Swen and Kristi (Knut¬ son) Swenson. They came to this country in the year 1857, set¬ tling in St. Peter among the Indians, where they remained up to the time of his death. The mother is still living with her sons. C. L. Swenson was educated in the schools of St. Peter and at the Lutheran Academy in Albert Lea. He taught in Freeborn county schools for two years, and also engaged as bookkeeper in St. Peter.

! pon locating permanently in Albert Lea he secured employ¬ ment in a general store for some time, after which he entered the Citizens' National Bank of Albert Lea, where he worked as book¬ keeper for a while. After one year's service in the bank he was made cashier, in which capacity he has served ever since. Mr. Swenson was married in 1895 to Annie Christine Weberg, daughter of Andrew and Aase Weberg, of St. Peter, Minn. Mr. Weberg is a furniture dealer and undertaker and was formerlv a painter. The subject's family consists of three children - Altine C., Letitia M. and T\ ilton G. - all at home. Mr. Swenson is a member of the K. of P., No. 66: Elks, No. 813; M. W. A., Royal Neighbors and Sons of Norway. He has always taken an active part in the city's welfare, being alderman for seven years, presi¬ dent of the council for five years and mayor of the city from

1907 to 1909, elected again in 1911 and is now serving. Mr. Swenson is a man who has taken advantage of every opportunity for success and has made himself a prominent factor in the busi¬ ness life of Albert Lea. He is a Republican in politics, in which he always takes an active part.

G. T. Wasrud, a jeweler and optician of Albert Lea. living at 210 North Washington street, was born in Wisconsin on Novem¬ ber 21, 1866, son of T. G. and Mary, both natives of Norway. T. G. Wasrud came to America in early manhood, locating in Waupaka county, Wisconsin, where he farmed until his death in 1900. His wife still lives in Wisconsin. The subject of this sketch attended the district schools of Wisconsin. Leaving school he found employment in a shoe store in Albert Lea, where he worked for three years. He then served as an apprentice for a watch¬ maker in Albert Lea. His apprenticeship completed, he estab¬ lished a jewelry business of his own at Elmore, Minn., remaining there four years. At the end of this time he located in Albert Lea, where he established himself in the jewelry business at 218 South Broadway. In 1907 he moved his stock to 224 South Broad¬ way, where he now carries a full and complete line. Mr. Wasrud 's wife was Louisa Anderson, of Illinois. The subject is a staunch Republican and a member of the Lutheran Church. He is a loyal member of the Masons, Royal Arcanum, Maccabees,, Brotherhood of American Yeomen and Equitable Fraternal Union. He has never aspired to the holding of any public office, but is interested in the best welfare of the city.

Richard E. Mills, a retired liarnessmaker of Albert Lea, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, on March 16, 1834, the son of Richard and Phoebe Mills, natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a soldier in the War of 1812 and a contractor by profession. He did the contracting work for the Wellan canal in Canada. In about 1840 he came to Wisconsin and conducted a fur trading post through northern Wisconsin, where he remained about fifteen or twenty years. He then took a railroad contract on the Northern Pacific at Bismarck, North Dakota, after which he came to Albert Lea, and died there in 1884 at the age of eighty-nine years. His wife died a number of years before. The subject of this sketch had a very limited edu¬ cation, attending school only a short time in Pennsylvania. Leav¬ ing school, he learned the saddlery business. In 1855 he went to Wisconsin to visit his father and remained with him one year. He then returned to his home state and established a harness business at West Greenville, Pa. Mr. Mills carried on that busi¬ ness until the opening of the Civil War, when he joined the 100th Pennsylvania Round Head as musician. He was with them one a ear. The bands then were mustered out and so he entered the navy and continued there throughout the war. Fie has two honorable discharges and very fine recommendations from the Navy Department. At the close of the war he joined a minstrel company and traveled with them one season until reaching Peoria, Ill. There he engaged at his trade and remained for about five years. During his residence in Peoria he met Ellen Smith, who became his wife in 1867. She was born in 1842, the daughter of AYilson Smith, a native of Pennsylvania. He was a carriage and wagon manufacturer of Peoria. He died on July 10, 1876, and the mother died in December, 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Mills' home was blessed with four children, one of whom is dead - Mabel Helen, now Mrs. Rhorbaeh, of Gary, Okla. ; Kate B., now Mrs. Hand, of Watertown, S. D.; Lou, now Mrs. Judd, of River Falls, Wis. ; Dick, who died in infancy. Politically Mr. Mills is a Repub¬ lican. He is a member of Robinson Post, G. A. R., of Albert Lea. He came to Albert Lea on December 25, 1870, and established him¬ self in the harness business. He continued at this work until 1907, when he tore down his shop, which was located on the cor¬ ner of AA illiams and Newton streets. He has always been a sub¬ stantial citizen of Albert Lea, looking out for its best welfare.

Daniel W. Horning, retired farmer and estimable citizen of Albert Lea, was born in Jefferson county, New York, December 25, 1835, son of Henry and Margaret (Countryman) Horning, in whose home he was reared to manhood, attending the schools of his neighborhood. In 1857, with his mother and brother, William J., he came to Freeborn county, acquired 160 acres of land from the government in Albert Lea township, erected a log cabin, broke some of the land and remained two years. In 1859 he set out for Oregon, but after a year's experience in Idaho City, Ida., as a miner he located in Montana, where he engaged in a similar occupation for four years. During this time he experienced many of the thrilling adventures incident to frontier mining, and had many interesting brushes with the Indians. Subsequently he returned to his Albert Lea farm and for many years engaged in agricultural operations. He broke the ground, erected a frame house and the necessary outbuildings, and as time passed added eighty acres more to the place. He became a prominent man in the community and served his district for many years as a mem¬ ber of the school board. In 1907 he retired from general farming, rented his place and moved to 529 Water street, Albert Lea, where he and his wife are now enjoying a well-earned rest after their many years of toil and labor. Airs. Horning has allied herself with the Daughters of Rebekah and is chaplain and past noble grand of the local lodge. Air. Horning was married on his birth¬ day, December 25, 1870, to Caroline A. Powers, born in Oneida county, New York, March 15, 1852, daughter of Augustus AY. and

Harriet E. (Brown) Powers, natives of New York state, who set¬ tled in Illinois at an early day. Mrs. Powers died at Wilmington, Ill., in 1856, and Mr. Powers came to Freeborn county, where after a long life of usefulness he died at Alden in 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Horning have been blessed with eight children - Laura, Clauda, Ethel and Katherine are dead; Webster is on the home farm ; Elmer lives in Mason City, Iowa ; Queen is now Mrs. Elsworth Horning, of Melroy, Minn ; Harriet lives in Algona, Iowa. The family faith is that of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Florning s TV estern experiences would form a most interesting volume. Most of the time west he spent prospecting, but one summer it fell to his lot to haul provisions for his camp from Fort Benton to Idaho City, a distance of over 100 miles. During this time the Indians were unfriendly and Mr. Horning had some narrow escapes from falling a victim to their ferocity. On one of these trips he was attacked by four Indians, but he bravely fought them away, single-handed, and finished the trip in safety.

William Wohlhuter, the successful manager of the Albert Lea branch of the Tri-State Telephone Company, was born in Nunda township, this county, December 29, 1861, son of J. V. and Verona (Fortman) Wohlhuter, natives of Alsace-Loraine, who came to this county in 1856 with the earliest pioneers, the former dying in 1875 and the latter in 1899. William attended the district schools of his neighborhood and continued on the home farm until 1884, when he married Emma V. Geissler and purchased a farm in his native township, where he conducted agricultural operations until 1905. During this period Mr. Wohlhuter attained considera¬ ble prominence in public life. He served on the school board and was assessor sixteen years. In 1902 he was elected to the state legislature and served with credit in the sessions of 1903, 1905 and 1909. He also took an interest in the subject of cooperation as a solution of many of the difficulties of farm life, serving the Clover Valley Creamery, of Pickerel Lake township, two years as president, six years as treasurer and six years as secretary. In 1905 Mr. Wohlhuter moved to Albert Lea and took up the duties of his present position. At one time he was vice-president of the Albert Lea Packing Company. Fraternally he has allied himself with the B. P. O. E. and the Business Men's League, and his public service in the city has included membership in the Albert Lea Charter Commission. The Wohlhuter home is brightened bv the presence of two daughters and a son - Rose, Leone and Robert.

C. G. Lembke, president and manager of the Lembke Dry Goods Company, was born in Naperville, Ill., on June 11, 1877, the son of Charles and Sophia (Ode) Lembke, natives of Ham¬ burg, Germany. They sailed for America in 1865 and located in Naperville, Ill., where the father farmed for thirteen years, and then moved to Minnesota, settling in Mansfield township, Freeborn county. He farmed here until 1900 and then retired, and is now living at 220 Williams street, Albert Lea. The subject of this sketch was educated in the district schools of Freeborn county and took a business course at Waverly, Iowa, and in Minneapolis. Upon leaving school he clerked in the dry goods store at Albert Lea, of Gage-Hayden Company for four years and one-half, then became stockholder in the firm of Chamberlain, Skinner & Co., with whom he stayed for three and one-half years. At the end of this time Mr. Lembke organized the Lembke Dry Goods Company and on February 15, 1906, became its president and has served in this capacity up to the present time. They carry an exclusive line of dry goods, and it is considered one of the best equipped stores of its kind in this section. In the vear 1901 Mr. Lembke soeiation, being the originator of this association. He makes his home at 1009 James street. Mr. Lembke is one of Albert Lea's prominent business men and is vitally interested in its best de¬ velopment. He is a member of the Business Men's League and one of its executive committee.

Herman Hirsch, one of the substantial business men of Albert Lea, was born in Lutwigshoee, Hesse-Darmstaclt, Germany, son of Adam and Johanna (Hirsch) Hirsch, also natives of that place, who came to America in 1863 and spent the remainder of their daj^s in Quincy, Ill. Herman Hirsch received his education in Germany, and at fourteen years of age started work in a banking and brokerage office. In 1857, however, he came to America, and had eight days' experience as clerk in a store. During this short time he determined that there was a wide field for the peddling business. Accordingly he purchased the necessary goods and started out to make his fortune - a stranger in a strange land, whose language even was unknown to him. This effort was crowned with success, and during the ten months he engaged in this business he made $800. Subsequently he started for the gold fields of Colorado, but never reached there, for upon reaching Quincy, 111., he found so many business openings that he engaged in the fuel business and located there. After a year in this busi¬ ness he started dealing in hides and furs, following this line at Quincy until 1898. At one time during this period he did the largest fur and hide business in the United States, controlling the output of five states. In 1898 he disposed of this business and went to Cuba, looking for a favorable location. Finding that the conditions were not favorable, however, he returned to America and located at Albert Lea, starting with his son, Abe Hirsch, the large concern now known as the Albert Lea Hide & Fur Company. Mr. Hirsch is a Mason and belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is also a prominent member of the Boray- Brith, an institution which cares for Hebrew orphans at Cleve¬ land, Ohio. The subject of this sketch was married, October 6, 1862, at Quincy, Ill., to Rosalie Jonas, a native of Blaschen, Ger¬ many. They are the parents of eight children. Leo lives in Mason City, Iowa. Ade lives in Albert Lea. Thressa is now Mrs. Leo Plum, of Mankato, Minn. Arthur is located in Watertown, S. D. Minnie is now Mrs. Alfred Joseph, of Mason City, Iowa. Hattie is the wife of Flerman Szamet, of Mankato, Minn. Herbert lives in Mason City.

Abraham Hirsch, manager of the Albert Lea Hide & Fur Com¬ pany, was born at Quincy, Ill., September 27, 1868, son of Her¬ man and Rosalie (Jonas) Hirsch. He received his education in the Quincy public schools, and had the additional advantage of a course in the Gem City Business College in the same city. He then traveled some eighteen years in the hide, fur and wool line for his father, covering most of the western states.. Subsequently he engaged in the general mercantile business at Boone, Iowa, for a short period. His career in Albert Lea dates from 1903, when he came here and formed a co-partnership with his father in the company of which he is still the manager. Mr. Hirsch was mar¬ ried January 4, 1893, to Rose Weinberg, a native of New York state. Their home has been made happy with three children: Arnold, Gladys and Jerome. The subject of this sketch is known as the father of the Albert Lea Lodge of Elks and is also a promi¬ nent member of the Masonic order. In addition to managing the Albert Lea plant for his concern he also looks after the branch houses at Mason City, Iowa, and Watertown, S. D.

A. Larson, manager of the Albert Lea Construction Company, was born in Denmark on September 6, 1860, the son of Lars C. and Golvanna M. (Swenson) Larson. He was a mason and fol¬ lowed his trade up to the time of his death. The mother still lives in Denmark. The subject of this sketch attended the schools of Denmark and after leaving school followed the carpenter trade. Coming to America in 1885, he located in Hamilton county, Iowa, and followed his trade there for fourteen years. Then Mr. Larson came to Albert Lea, where he followed his trade as mason until 1907, in which year he established the North Albert Lea Con¬ crete Works. He conducted this business for two years and later incorporated and called the firm of the Albert Lea Construction Company. They manufacture everything in the line of concrete. In the year 1880 Mr. Larson was married to Amelia Larson, a native of Denmark. To their home have been born eleven chil¬ dren, two of whom are dead: Louis, of Albert Lea; Johanna, now Mrs. Schultz, of "Waterloo, Iowa; John, with his father; Mary, Minnie, George, Henning, Roy and Annie, all at home, and John and Stena, both dead. Mr. Larson is a Republican in his political life and attends the Danish Lutheran Church. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Danish Brother¬ hood and owns his residence on Bridge street.

William M. Lane, a prosperous and progressive real estate dealer of Albert Lea, was born in Chicago, Ill., February 27, 1855, a son of Elijah B. and Amanda M. (Grannis) Lane. He spent his boyhood in Chicago and attended the excellent public schools of that city. "When but seventeen years of age he went to California and there remained one year. Afterward he re¬ turned to Chicago, but after a stay of one and a half years there, he again started for California. However, he found a favorable business opportunity at Waterloo, Iowa, and there remained about two years, in the meantime marrying Margaret Eason, of that city. In 1888 he came to Freeborn county and purchased a farm of 120 acres in Alden township, where he conducted farming operations until the fall of 1908. It was during this year that he began to trade in real estate as a partner of P. Augustus Peter¬ son. In 1911 E. E. Chadwick purchased the interest of Mr. Peter¬ son, and the firm, which makes a specialty of city property, has since been known as Lane & Chadwick. In political life Mr. Lane is an independent voter. He attends the Methodist Episcopal Church and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. While living at Alden he was assessor for ten years. Mr. and Mrs. Lane have a pleasant home at 919 North Pearl street. Their two daughters are: Nellie, now Mrs. AY. AY. Demmon, of Albert Lea, and Mabel M., who lives at home.

J. L. Klemme, one of Albert Lea's jewelers, was born in Arinton, Iowa, on December 2, 1877, only son of J. P. and Alargaret Klemme, natives of Indiana and Ohio, respectively. The father came to Iowa when a boy, locating in AYinnesliiek county. Later lie removed to Yinton, where he was married. At this time he and his brother went into the dry goods business in ATnton. They car¬ ried on this business for some time. In 1883 J. L. came to Albert Lea, where he established a wholesale butter, egg and poultry business, in which he continued until January 1, 1910. lie is now interested in the Lembke Dry Goods Company, of which he is secretary. The subject of this sketch attended the grade and high school of Albert Lea, and upon leaving school worked with his father about seven years. Subsequently he went into the piano business, representing various makes, and later added jewelry to his line of goods. His store was first located at 101

( lark street, later at 135 South Broad, and in 1908 moved into the Lembke Dry Goods store, where he now carries a full line of jewelry and is also representative for the Schiller piano. He is a Republican and a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge. Mr. Klemme never aspired to the holding of any public office.

B. H. Knatvold, a banker and a furniture dealer, one of Albert Lea's most progressive business men, is a native of Norway, born on December 16, 1855. His parents, Egbert and Bertha Knatvold, came to America in 1862 and located in Wisconsin, where they remained only six months, then going to Austin, Minn., living there a short time. Leaving Austin they removed to Hayward township, Freeborn county, where the father farmed until his death. He enlisted in the Civil AYar and served until he was dis¬ abled. The mother died at the home of her son, B. H. Knatvold, in Albert Lea, where she had lived since her husband's death. The subject of this sketch gained his education in the district schools of Freeborn county and the high school of Albert Lea, after which he clerked in a drug store for a year. Then for two years Mr. Knatvold clerked in a general store. At the end of this time he entered the hardware store with his brothers, T. Y. and H. E., for seven years, during this time acquiring an interest in the busi¬ ness. He sold his share in the firm eighteen years ago and estab¬ lished his present business in furniture and undertaking, at which lie has been very successful. Mr. Knatvold was married in 1884 to Christine Jorgenson, and their home has been made happy with four children : Helen, now Mrs. Henry Sieglaff, whose husband conducts a cigar stand in the Hotel Albert; Robert, helping his father and who was in the Citizens' National Bank for three years ; Harriet and Ruth, both at home. Politically Mr. Knatvold is a Republican. He is at present vice-president of the Citizens' National Bank and was at one time city treasurer. Mr. Knatvold lives at 410 Park avenue. His success has been made by the hardest wrork, and he is highly esteemed by all who know him. He is a Mason and a member of the Modern AYoodmen of America.

Herbert E. Skinner wras born in Albert Lea, Minn., March 5, 1871, and is the son of Robert B. and Martha J. Skinner, both pioneer residents of Freeborn county. He attended the public schools of Albert Lea, going through the high school and later spending two years at Macalester College, St. Paul, and one year at the Minnesota State University. Returning from school, he entered the employ of the R. B. Skinner Milling Company, where he remained for five years, serving the last two years as secretary of the company. Retiring from the milling business he opened a land and mortgage office, which he has ever since maintained. In addition to a big retail farm business he has wholesaled several large blocks of western lands and his real estate operations have been large and successful. He was married February 28, 1911, to Laura Christopherson, of Albert Lea, and lives on Park avenue. lie is a member of Albert Lea Lodge, No. 66, Knights of Pythias. He is also a member of the Albert Lea Blue Lodge of Masons, a member of their Chapter and Commandery and a mem¬ ber of the Order of Mystic Shriners of Zurah Temple, Minne¬ apolis. Mr. Skinner was for four years a member of the city council, serving two years as chairman of the finance committee. He is a trustee of Albert Lea College and a trustee and member of the Presbyterian Church.

Robert B. Skinner, a resident of Freeborn county since 1861, and of Albert Lea since 1865, was born at Fort Ticonderoga, N. Y., on March 15, 1840. the son of John P. and Polly (Bisby) Skinner. The family left New lrork in 1852, settling first in Wis¬ consin. They came to Freeborn county in 1861, locating at Glenville. where the father died in 1872. The son remained in Wis¬ consin attending school and then came to Freeborn county. He worked on a farm for a short period and in 1862, in company with J. W. Smith, he organized a general store at Glenville, which they operated for a short time, under the firm, frame of Smith & Skinner. The business was successful and they decided to go in on a larger scale at the county seat. Accordingly, in 1865, they moved their stock of goods to Albert Lea and opened up in the Union block on Clark street, which, though one of the oldest buildings in Albert Lea, is still standing. Later they erected a double block on Broadway, which they occupied for several years as a general ' store, until the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Skinner then erected the brick building later occupied by W. W. Johnson as a clothing store, and engaged for a few years more in the mercantile business, part of the time alone and part of the time in company with William Hazelton. In 1879, when the Minneapolis & St. Louis built through Albert Lea, Mr. Skinner left the mercantile business and erected the first large elevator ever built in Freeborn county. He later bought an elevator at Twin Lakes, and for some time was actively engaged in the grain business. About 1882, in company with his brother, John E. Skinner, he formed the R. B. Skinner Milling Company, which was successfully operated as a flour mill until 1905, when it was sold to a Minneapolis firm. Since 1905 Mr. Skinner has not been actively engaged in business, though he has maintained an office downtown and has bought and sold considerable land. In 1868 he was married to Martha J. Eliot, of Hawley, Mich., who died in 1910. As a result of this union four sons were born: Herbert E., Theodore G., Ray P. and Robert M. The three former reside in Albert Lea, where they are engaged in business, and the latter resides at Baudette, Minn., where he is engaged in the banking business. Mr. Skinner was one of the original incorporators of the Albert Lea Building & Loan Association, was one of the first directors and assisted very materially in the formation of this company. Fie is a charter member of the First Presbyterian Church of Albert Lea, and soon after the organization of this church was elected an elder, a position which he has held ever since. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge. While never active in politics, he has during his residence in Albert Lea been a mem¬ ber of the school board and has served one term as alderman from his ward, declining a re-election. He lives on Park avenue, is a thoroughly self-made man and has always had the best inter¬ ests of Albert Lea at heart.

Mrs. Robert B. Skinner was born in New Hartford, Oneida county, New York, September 5, 1847, daughter of Rev. George Eliot, a Methodist minister, and moved to Mower county, Minnesota in 1866. In 1868 she was married to Robert B. Skinner, and moved to Albert Lea, where she resided until her death on Febru¬ ary 19, 1910. She was one of the original members of the library board, and was one of the founders and early members of the old Albert Lea Hospital Association, now known as the Naeve Hos¬ pital. She was a devout member of the Presbyterian church, and at her death was survived by her husband and four sons. Most of Albert Lea 's pioneer women were women of strong mentality and of religious temperament. The excellent school system that the city now enjoys, the splendid church organizations, and the healthful moral tone of the community at large, is probably the outgrowth of the early influences of the county's noble band of pioneer women, whose ranks are fast growing thinner. Mrs. Skinner was one of these women, and her gentle sympathies and refining influences were always directed toward the uplift and betterment of the community.

Hans W. Jensen, secretary and sales manager of the American Gas Machine Company, of Albert Lea, was born near Copenhagen, Denmark, July 14, 1867, son of Nels Jensen and Anna (Felthouse) Jensen, who brought him to America and located in Riceland township, Freeborn county, July 4, 1868. Some two and a half years later he was taken by them to Bath township, and there grew to manhood. He attended the country and city schools, taught school for a while, and took a course at Pillsbury Academy, Owatonna, in this state, from which he was graduated in 1892. After teaching at Bancroft, this county, two years he entered Dennison University at Granville, Ohio, but had spent but three months of his second year there when he was called home by the death of his father. After settling up the estate, he came to Albert Lea with his mother and entered the employ of the Briggs

Drug Company for a year. The following year he spent in Cali¬ fornia, then returned to Albert Lea and became salesman for the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company, now the International Harvester Company. He remained with this company fifteen years, was promoted from time to time, became cashier and assistant to the general agent, and remained with the agency four months after it was transferred to Mason City, Iowa. In January, 1910, he assumed the duties of his present position. He is also a stockholder and director in the same company. In politics Mr. Jensen votes independently. He is a thorough believer in work for young men, and is president of the City Sunday-School Asso¬ ciation, president of the local Baptist Brotherhood, and also secretary of the Baptist State Brotherhood. He was a member of the Baptise State Convention Board two years and its auditor one year. The Albert Lea Business Men's League and the Albert Lea Auto Club both count him as an enthusiastic and active member. The subject of this sketch was married September 7, 1898, to Carrie M. Nelson, of Bath township. He is a trustee of Pillsburv Academy at Owatonna.

Nels Jensen was born in Denmark and there married Anna Felthouse. They came to America July 4, 1868, located in Riceland township, Freeborn county, Minnesota, and there remained some two and a half years, subsequently moving to Bath town¬ ship. There they farmed until his death, after which his wife came to Albert Lea, where she passed away ten years later. In the family were five children. Anna M. died at the age of sixteen years. Andrew N. still lives in Bath township. Nels P. attained considerable distinction in the Baptist denomination and became dean of the Scandinavian Theological Department of the Univer¬ sity of Chicago. He died at Sierre Madre, Cal., in 1895. James C. is a successful real estate dealer in Albert Lea. Hans W. is secretary and sales manager of the American Gas Machine Com¬ pany of Albert Lea.

Henry J. Harm, a jeweler of Albert Lea and president of the city council, was born in Boston, Mass., January 3, 1870, the son of John H. and Augusta Harm, both natives of Germany, who settled in the United States at the time of the Civil War, locating in Boston. The father was a wagon maker. Coming to Minnesota in the 70s, he located in St. Peter, where he remained for some time, then coming to Albert Lea. Here he worked at his trade up to the time of his death, which occurred during a visit to Boston in 1878. The mother died December 30, 1906. r! he subject of this sketch was educated in the schools of Albert Lea. L pon leaving school he learned the jewelers' trade, and in 1904 bought out Theo. E. Schleuder's jewelry stock at 211 South Broadway, where he still carries on a successful business. Mr. Harm was married to Anna Marx, daughter of Herbert Marx, of Shakopee, on November 17, 1908. He is a Republican in his political affiliations, being chairman of the Republican County Committee, and is a loyal member of the Elks, Knights of Macabees. Mr. Harm is one of Albert Lea's progressive citi- Washington street. It is worthy of note that Mr. Harm's ener¬ getic advocacy of a better and bigger Albert Lea has resulted in some of the city's most notable improvements.